Updated: Adds tributes to Mgr Cauchi

Nikol Cauchi, Bishop of Gozo for 38 years until his retirement in 2006, passed away this morning, aged 81.

He was taken ill on October 27 and after intensive treatment at Gozo Hospital's Cardiac Care Unit, was transferred to Mater Dei Hospital. His condition had improved for some time but it was always critical.

Bishop Mario Grech, who administered the last rites, appeared to sum up the thoughts of most people when he told timesofmalta.com that Mgr Cauchi was a father figure for Gozo, as well as a teacher.

Born in Gharb in 1929, Nikol Cauchi was ordained priest in 1952. He became parish priest of Fontana in 1956 and also held the Chair of philosophy and sociology at the Gozo Seminary, where he also taught Italian.

He became auxiliary Bishop to Mgr Giuseppe Pace in 1967 and effectively took over the running of the diocese well before Mgr Pace passed away in 1972, and he formally took over.

Mgr Cauchi was widely respected as a preacher and communicator and he was at much at ease with priests as he was with infants and leaders of society.

He was cast in the international media spotlight in the summer of 2000 during the controversy surrounding the fate of two Siamese twins whose parents, from Xaghra, contested - in line with Church teaching - a decision by the English Court of Appeal to separate the two - since this would automatically lead to the death of one of them.

Mgr Cauchi remained popular even after his retirement through his regular participation in radio programmes, where he welcomed questions by listeners. He was also a regular contributer to the press but his health waned over the past few months - to the extent that he was unable to come to Malta when Pope Benedict was here.

In his farewell message in January 2006, when he handed the reins of the diocese to Mgr Grech, Mgr Cauchi told the faithful:

"I promise you that I will keep thinking of you and praying for you till the day I die."

And he kept his promise.

Mgr Grech said that when he spoke with him, four days before his hospitalisation, Mgr Cauchi continued to show keen interest in the affairs of the diocese and was also looking forward to his own projects, including the publication of books.

In his message, Mgr Cauchi also asked for forgiveness 'for so many failings'.

He told his listeners: "Don't look at the Church with bodily eyes but with eyes of faith. Remember that there are two elements to the Church: the human element - it is made up of human beings and people are fragile since they can make mistakes and have shortcomings. But we believe, because it has been revealed to us, that in Church there is also a divine element... Be prepared even to make certain sacrifices for the Church. Work for the Church to grow and become stronger."

Those who knew him well will remember him for his deep knowledge of Church and current affairs, his love for literature, and his insatiable humour. He also had a good hand at playing the guitar.

Steve Mallia, Editor of The Sunday Times, interviewed Mgr Cauchi on his 80th birthday. His interview can be accessed on the link below:

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090301/interview/man-of-distinctions

See vdeo above.

TRIBUTES

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech in a brief message of condolences said this morning that the Diocese of Gozo was grateful to Mgr Cauchi for having strengthened it in the faith.

Archbishop Paul Cremona expressed his condolences to Bishop Grech and the Gozo diocese and said the people of Malta and Gozo had greatly benefited from Mgr Cauchi's teaching.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, on behalf of the government and the people, expressed his sadness at the passing away of Mgr Cauchi and saluted his memory.

He praised him for helping spread the Church’s social teaching and its application in the local context.

Mgr Cauchi had remained close to the people not only through his many meetings and his broadcasts, but also through his important printed contributions, which would be his enduring memory, Dr Gonzi said.

The Labour Party praised Mgr Cauchi for his role as a preacher and a leader who had always spoken out on social and religious issues.

The Nationalist Party said Mgr Cauchi had managed to adapt the message of the Gospel to the times, without making compromises with principles and the values which he always held dear, including the truth, solidarity and love for one’s neighbour.

His death saddened the people, but his memory would live on, the party said.

AD chairman Michael Briguglio, said that Bishop Cauchi would be remembered as a key thinker and communicator of the Maltese Catholic Church who remained active in Maltese society till his passing away.